THE END TIME DECEPTION, HOW T DIFFERENTIATE BETWEEN FALSE PROPHETS AND THE TRUE PROPHETS
THE END TIME DECEPTION, HOW DO WE DIFFERENTIATE BETWEEN THE FALSE PROPHETS AND THE TRUE PROPHETS
Bible Text: For False Prophets shall arise and deceive many Matthew 24:14
What would be your reactions if a
proclaimed prophet suddenly arose and began drawing crowds with stirring messages, healing the sick, raising the dead, bringing fire down from heaven, and revealing knowledge of your personal secrets, would you believe in him or her? Should you believe?
Your ultimate destiny just might be tied directly to your ability to distinguish between true and false prophets. So it’s very important to know what the Bible really says about this timely subject!
1. Does the Bible teach that there will be true prophets in the last days of earth?
“It shall come to pass in the last days, says God, that I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy” (Acts 2:17).
Answer: Yes. Both men and women will prophesy in the last days (Joel 2:28–32).
2. Jesus at His ascension placed the gift of prophecy in His church, along with other gifts: apostles, evangelists, pastors, teachers, healing, working of miracles, knowledge, wisdom, spirit of discernment, speaking on tongues etc.. (Ephesians 4:7–11, 1 Corinthians 12:4-11).
Why did God place these gifts in the church?
“For the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ” (Ephesians 4:12).
Answer: Jesus gave all gifts for the equipping of His saints. The equipping of God’s end-time church is not possible if any of these gifts is missing.
The Bible says that God gives the gift of prophecy to both men and women.
4. How long were these gifts to remain in God’s church?
“Till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ” (Ephesians 4:13).
Answer: They will remain until God’s people are all unified, mature Christians which of course, will last till the end of time. ( until Jesus comes) these spiritual gifts will play a major role in bringing souls to God in the end time.
5. Which gift will play a major role during the end time?
The gift of prophecy will play the leading role. In 1 Corinthians 12:28, it is listed as second in importance of all the gifts, while the gift of tongues is listed last. A church without the gift of prophecy is blind.
Jesus solemnly warns His end-time church of the danger of blindness and urges them to let Him anoint their eyes with heavenly eyesalve so they will be able to see (Revelation 3:17, 18).
The eyesalve represents the Holy Spirit (1 John 2:20, 27; John 14:26), who gives all gifts to the church (1 Corinthians 12:4, 7–11). Heeding the words of God’s prophet will help His end-time people understand the Bible and will prevent uncertainty and confusion.
We understand that the Spirit of prophecy doesn't only necessarily mean prophesying about the future, but also having the right understanding of the scriptures.
This gifts enables us to understand the prophetic books in the bible and you can say it works with the Spirit of discernment, to be able to distinguish between true prophets and false prophets.
It is only when you understand the word of God that you will be able to tell according to the word who is true and who is not.
6. How do we know a true prophet?
The Bible is the sole source of Christian doctrine. However, the same Bible points out: The gift of prophecy will exist in God’s church until the end of time
(Ephesians 4:11, 13; Revelation 12:17; 19:10; 22:9). To reject a prophet’s counsel is to reject God’s will (Luke 7:28–30). We are commanded to test prophets and follow their counsel if they speak and live in harmony with the Bible (1 Thessalonians 5:20, 21).
Thus, people who base their faith on “the Bible only” must follow its counsel regarding prophets. True prophets will always speak in harmony with the Bible. Prophets who contradict God’s Word are false and should be rejected.
7. But I know of some false prophets and their prophecy do come to pass?
Yes, some times their prophecy do come to pass but not always, check closely and monitor the person.
Again, prophets may want to deceive you into doing what is wrong, and because they have already won your heart with the prophecy that came to pass you will follow this prophet thinking he's from God.
Here is what he Lord says about these types of prophets.
Deut 13:1-3
If prophets or those who divine by dreams appear among you and promise you omens or portents, and the omens or the portents declared by them take place, and they say, "Let us follow other gods" (whom you have not known) "and let us serve them," you must not heed the words of those prophets or those who divine by dreams; for the LORD your God is testing you, to know whether you indeed love the LORD your God with all your heart and soul.
The Lord says he is testing us, to know weather we are in faith or not, to know weather we will be carried away.
8. How can I determine whether a prophet is true or false?
“To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, it is because there is no light in them” (Isaiah 8:20).
Answer: Test their teachings and conduct by the Word of God, the Bible. If they teach and behave contrary to Scripture, they are false prophets and “there is no light in them.
a. A prophet is known by his/ her fruits.
By their fruits you shall know them. Matthew 7:15-20.
Check out those fruits in the book of Gal 5: 19-25
Somebody can not be living in sin and still claims to be hearing from God, when we grieve the Holy Spirit he leaves.( constantly rejecting the promptings and warnings of the Holy Spirit)
b. A prophet's prophecy always comes true, there is no 99.9% truth with God, it's always 100%.
"If a prophet speaks in the name of the LORD but the thing does not take place or prove true, it is a word that the LORD has not spoken. The prophet has spoken it presumptuously; do not be frightened by it". Deuteronomy 18:22
c. A prophet must not contradict the bible, the word of God.
Paul says that if anyone comes to teach you a different doctrine different from the ones in the scriptures, then let the person be accursed.
Note: he also mentioned" angels" what does that mean?
Satan can appear as an angel of light, just to deceive people, but when you are grounded in the word of God and you have the Holy Spirit, then you will not be deceived.
Galatians 1:8
"But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed"
We have to take note on this particular verse, very crucial.
Many people have been deceived because of this.
Some people claim that they have seen angels and they told them this and that.... But what they told them was not in accordance with the bible.
The angels don't do their own will, they do the will of God who sends them.
If an angels tells you that Jesus is not the son of God then know that Jesus hat angel is not of God.
If an angel tell you to divorce your spouse then that angel is not of God, because God says " he hates divorce.
If an angel tells you that you're free to marry your fellow man then that angel is not from God; because God calls this act an abomination.
I can go on and on....
d. A prophet who is always prophesying prosperity, peace and safety to his members.
Watch this, throughout in the bible from old to the new testament, no prophet of God was always prophesying about prosperity and safety.
It was contrary, although not always.
But most times the Prophets warned the people about what is about to happen and how to avert it.
Especially when they have sinned against God and God is about to punish them.
A prophet warns people to repent from their sins.
A prophet intercede on behalf of his people by praying to God to have mercy.
A prophet tells the people about their future weather good( in order to encourage them) or bad, in order to call them back to order.
But the false prophets were only prophesying prosperity, prosperity and safety, even when they know that the people have gone astray.
They just want to say what their itching ears wants to hear.
Let's look at this
Zechariah 10:2
27:9 You, therefore, must not listen to your prophets, your diviners, your dreamers, your soothsayers, or your sorcerers, who are saying to you, 'You shall not serve the king of Babylon.
Psychics and diviners who claim to be guided by spirits of the dead are not led by God.
Are there certain types of false prophets specifically named and condemned in the Bible?
Answer: Yes. Deuteronomy 18:10–12 and Revelation 21:8 speak against the following types of false prophets:
A. Soothsayer - astrologer
B. Sorcerer - one who claims to contact the dead.
Is the working of great miracles proof that a person is a true prophet is of God?
“They are spirits of demons, performing signs [miracles]” (Revelation 16:14).
Answer: No. The devil and his emissaries also have the power to work miracles. Miracles prove only one thing: supernatural power. But such power comes from both God and Satan (Deuteronomy 13:1–5; Revelation 13:13, 14)
.
Of what perilous end time danger does Jesus warn us?
“False christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect” (Matthew 24:24).
Answer: God warns us of false christs and false prophets who will be so extremely convincing that they will deceive all except the very elect of God. Billions will be deceived and lost.
Is this happening today? Yes.
But there will also be true prophets of God
These true prophets will;
A. Live a godly life (Matthew 7:15–20).
B. Be called to service by God (Isaiah 6:1–10; Jeremiah 1:5–10; Amos 7:14, 15).
C. Speak and write in harmony with the Bible (Isaiah 8:19, 20).
D. Predict events that come true (Deuteronomy 18:20–22).
Will not originate new doctrines to soothe themselves and their members.
(Revelation 22:18, 19). The Bible is the source of all doctrine.
Reveal exciting interpretations of Bible doctrines that were not obvious until pointed out
by the prophet (Amos 3:7).
Help God’s people understand difficult, unclear, or unnoticed portions of the Bible so that they suddenly come to life for us and bring great joy.
D. Help protect God’s people from fanaticism, deception, and spiritual stupor.
Help God’s people understand end-time prophecies which, verified by everyday
news events, suddenly take on new meaning.
F. Help God’s people sense the certainty of Jesus’ soon return and the end of the world.
For a deepening love for Jesus, a vibrant new excitement about the Bible, and a fresh understanding of Bible prophecies listen to God’s end-time prophet.
Do we still have true prophets today, and will more arise in the future?
Yes!
Based on Joel 2:28, 29, it certainly appears possible. There also will be false prophets
(Matthew 7:15; 24:11, 24). We must be prepared to test prophets by the Bible (Isaiah 8:19, 20; 2 Timothy 2:15), heeding their counsel only if they are genuine.
God knows when prophets are needed to wake people up, warn them, and turn them to Jesus and His Word. He sent a prophet (Moses) to lead His people out of Egypt (Hosea 12:13). He sent a prophet (John the Baptist) to prepare people for Jesus’ first coming (Mark 1:1–8).
He also promised prophetic messages for these end times. God sends prophets to point us to the Bible and its last-day prophecies; to strengthen, encourage, and assure us; and to make us like Jesus.
What can you do to make the gift of prophecy meaningful to you, and how do you receive this precious gifts?
By asking for it.
By Studying the bible for yourself and follow it prayerfully so Jesus can guide and prepare you for His coming.
It's high time we stopped depending on our pastors, it's time we start studying by ourselves and asking for the Spirit of Knowledge and understanding.
“I thank my God always ... that you were enriched in everything by Him ... even as the testimony of Christ [spirit of prophecy] was confirmed in you, so that you come short in no gift, eagerly waiting for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will also confirm you to the end, that you may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 1:4–8).
Amen!
Bible Text: For False Prophets shall arise and deceive many Matthew 24:14
What would be your reactions if a
proclaimed prophet suddenly arose and began drawing crowds with stirring messages, healing the sick, raising the dead, bringing fire down from heaven, and revealing knowledge of your personal secrets, would you believe in him or her? Should you believe?
Your ultimate destiny just might be tied directly to your ability to distinguish between true and false prophets. So it’s very important to know what the Bible really says about this timely subject!
1. Does the Bible teach that there will be true prophets in the last days of earth?
“It shall come to pass in the last days, says God, that I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy” (Acts 2:17).
Answer: Yes. Both men and women will prophesy in the last days (Joel 2:28–32).
2. Jesus at His ascension placed the gift of prophecy in His church, along with other gifts: apostles, evangelists, pastors, teachers, healing, working of miracles, knowledge, wisdom, spirit of discernment, speaking on tongues etc.. (Ephesians 4:7–11, 1 Corinthians 12:4-11).
Why did God place these gifts in the church?
“For the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ” (Ephesians 4:12).
Answer: Jesus gave all gifts for the equipping of His saints. The equipping of God’s end-time church is not possible if any of these gifts is missing.
The Bible says that God gives the gift of prophecy to both men and women.
4. How long were these gifts to remain in God’s church?
“Till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ” (Ephesians 4:13).
Answer: They will remain until God’s people are all unified, mature Christians which of course, will last till the end of time. ( until Jesus comes) these spiritual gifts will play a major role in bringing souls to God in the end time.
5. Which gift will play a major role during the end time?
The gift of prophecy will play the leading role. In 1 Corinthians 12:28, it is listed as second in importance of all the gifts, while the gift of tongues is listed last. A church without the gift of prophecy is blind.
Jesus solemnly warns His end-time church of the danger of blindness and urges them to let Him anoint their eyes with heavenly eyesalve so they will be able to see (Revelation 3:17, 18).
The eyesalve represents the Holy Spirit (1 John 2:20, 27; John 14:26), who gives all gifts to the church (1 Corinthians 12:4, 7–11). Heeding the words of God’s prophet will help His end-time people understand the Bible and will prevent uncertainty and confusion.
We understand that the Spirit of prophecy doesn't only necessarily mean prophesying about the future, but also having the right understanding of the scriptures.
This gifts enables us to understand the prophetic books in the bible and you can say it works with the Spirit of discernment, to be able to distinguish between true prophets and false prophets.
It is only when you understand the word of God that you will be able to tell according to the word who is true and who is not.
6. How do we know a true prophet?
The Bible is the sole source of Christian doctrine. However, the same Bible points out: The gift of prophecy will exist in God’s church until the end of time
(Ephesians 4:11, 13; Revelation 12:17; 19:10; 22:9). To reject a prophet’s counsel is to reject God’s will (Luke 7:28–30). We are commanded to test prophets and follow their counsel if they speak and live in harmony with the Bible (1 Thessalonians 5:20, 21).
Thus, people who base their faith on “the Bible only” must follow its counsel regarding prophets. True prophets will always speak in harmony with the Bible. Prophets who contradict God’s Word are false and should be rejected.
7. But I know of some false prophets and their prophecy do come to pass?
Yes, some times their prophecy do come to pass but not always, check closely and monitor the person.
Again, prophets may want to deceive you into doing what is wrong, and because they have already won your heart with the prophecy that came to pass you will follow this prophet thinking he's from God.
Here is what he Lord says about these types of prophets.
Deut 13:1-3
If prophets or those who divine by dreams appear among you and promise you omens or portents, and the omens or the portents declared by them take place, and they say, "Let us follow other gods" (whom you have not known) "and let us serve them," you must not heed the words of those prophets or those who divine by dreams; for the LORD your God is testing you, to know whether you indeed love the LORD your God with all your heart and soul.
The Lord says he is testing us, to know weather we are in faith or not, to know weather we will be carried away.
8. How can I determine whether a prophet is true or false?
“To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, it is because there is no light in them” (Isaiah 8:20).
Answer: Test their teachings and conduct by the Word of God, the Bible. If they teach and behave contrary to Scripture, they are false prophets and “there is no light in them.
a. A prophet is known by his/ her fruits.
By their fruits you shall know them. Matthew 7:15-20.
Check out those fruits in the book of Gal 5: 19-25
Somebody can not be living in sin and still claims to be hearing from God, when we grieve the Holy Spirit he leaves.( constantly rejecting the promptings and warnings of the Holy Spirit)
b. A prophet's prophecy always comes true, there is no 99.9% truth with God, it's always 100%.
"If a prophet speaks in the name of the LORD but the thing does not take place or prove true, it is a word that the LORD has not spoken. The prophet has spoken it presumptuously; do not be frightened by it". Deuteronomy 18:22
c. A prophet must not contradict the bible, the word of God.
Paul says that if anyone comes to teach you a different doctrine different from the ones in the scriptures, then let the person be accursed.
Note: he also mentioned" angels" what does that mean?
Satan can appear as an angel of light, just to deceive people, but when you are grounded in the word of God and you have the Holy Spirit, then you will not be deceived.
Galatians 1:8
"But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed"
We have to take note on this particular verse, very crucial.
Many people have been deceived because of this.
Some people claim that they have seen angels and they told them this and that.... But what they told them was not in accordance with the bible.
The angels don't do their own will, they do the will of God who sends them.
If an angels tells you that Jesus is not the son of God then know that Jesus hat angel is not of God.
If an angel tell you to divorce your spouse then that angel is not of God, because God says " he hates divorce.
If an angel tells you that you're free to marry your fellow man then that angel is not from God; because God calls this act an abomination.
I can go on and on....
d. A prophet who is always prophesying prosperity, peace and safety to his members.
Watch this, throughout in the bible from old to the new testament, no prophet of God was always prophesying about prosperity and safety.
It was contrary, although not always.
But most times the Prophets warned the people about what is about to happen and how to avert it.
Especially when they have sinned against God and God is about to punish them.
A prophet warns people to repent from their sins.
A prophet intercede on behalf of his people by praying to God to have mercy.
A prophet tells the people about their future weather good( in order to encourage them) or bad, in order to call them back to order.
But the false prophets were only prophesying prosperity, prosperity and safety, even when they know that the people have gone astray.
They just want to say what their itching ears wants to hear.
Let's look at this
Zechariah 10:2
27:9 You, therefore, must not listen to your prophets, your diviners, your dreamers, your soothsayers, or your sorcerers, who are saying to you, 'You shall not serve the king of Babylon.
Psychics and diviners who claim to be guided by spirits of the dead are not led by God.
Are there certain types of false prophets specifically named and condemned in the Bible?
Answer: Yes. Deuteronomy 18:10–12 and Revelation 21:8 speak against the following types of false prophets:
A. Soothsayer - astrologer
B. Sorcerer - one who claims to contact the dead.
Is the working of great miracles proof that a person is a true prophet is of God?
“They are spirits of demons, performing signs [miracles]” (Revelation 16:14).
Answer: No. The devil and his emissaries also have the power to work miracles. Miracles prove only one thing: supernatural power. But such power comes from both God and Satan (Deuteronomy 13:1–5; Revelation 13:13, 14)
.
Of what perilous end time danger does Jesus warn us?
“False christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect” (Matthew 24:24).
Answer: God warns us of false christs and false prophets who will be so extremely convincing that they will deceive all except the very elect of God. Billions will be deceived and lost.
Is this happening today? Yes.
But there will also be true prophets of God
These true prophets will;
A. Live a godly life (Matthew 7:15–20).
B. Be called to service by God (Isaiah 6:1–10; Jeremiah 1:5–10; Amos 7:14, 15).
C. Speak and write in harmony with the Bible (Isaiah 8:19, 20).
D. Predict events that come true (Deuteronomy 18:20–22).
Will not originate new doctrines to soothe themselves and their members.
(Revelation 22:18, 19). The Bible is the source of all doctrine.
Reveal exciting interpretations of Bible doctrines that were not obvious until pointed out
by the prophet (Amos 3:7).
Help God’s people understand difficult, unclear, or unnoticed portions of the Bible so that they suddenly come to life for us and bring great joy.
D. Help protect God’s people from fanaticism, deception, and spiritual stupor.
Help God’s people understand end-time prophecies which, verified by everyday
news events, suddenly take on new meaning.
F. Help God’s people sense the certainty of Jesus’ soon return and the end of the world.
For a deepening love for Jesus, a vibrant new excitement about the Bible, and a fresh understanding of Bible prophecies listen to God’s end-time prophet.
Do we still have true prophets today, and will more arise in the future?
Yes!
Based on Joel 2:28, 29, it certainly appears possible. There also will be false prophets
(Matthew 7:15; 24:11, 24). We must be prepared to test prophets by the Bible (Isaiah 8:19, 20; 2 Timothy 2:15), heeding their counsel only if they are genuine.
God knows when prophets are needed to wake people up, warn them, and turn them to Jesus and His Word. He sent a prophet (Moses) to lead His people out of Egypt (Hosea 12:13). He sent a prophet (John the Baptist) to prepare people for Jesus’ first coming (Mark 1:1–8).
He also promised prophetic messages for these end times. God sends prophets to point us to the Bible and its last-day prophecies; to strengthen, encourage, and assure us; and to make us like Jesus.
What can you do to make the gift of prophecy meaningful to you, and how do you receive this precious gifts?
By asking for it.
By Studying the bible for yourself and follow it prayerfully so Jesus can guide and prepare you for His coming.
It's high time we stopped depending on our pastors, it's time we start studying by ourselves and asking for the Spirit of Knowledge and understanding.
“I thank my God always ... that you were enriched in everything by Him ... even as the testimony of Christ [spirit of prophecy] was confirmed in you, so that you come short in no gift, eagerly waiting for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will also confirm you to the end, that you may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 1:4–8).
Amen!
Comments
Post a Comment